Category Archives: Announcements

Share Your Talent(s) with TCS!

Posted on October 18, 2020 by | Comments Off on Share Your Talent(s) with TCS!

Our Youth Theatre Workshop this summer was based on our participants sharing their talents at the end of the week. They were recorded and we will be making a ticketed event available to help support our summer youth program.

We would like to include more of our TCS community in this endeavor to help round-out – Look What I Can Do! From Waaaay Over Here
(Quarantine Edition).

There are multiple ways you can participate.
1. Share your talent with us! Follow the directions below for recording and submitting your talent. This can be a song, dance, recitation, playing an instrument, performing magic, doing stand-up comedy, etc.
2. We have a group song to be recorded. Let us know you are interested in participating in singing “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen.
3. Purchase a ticket to support TCS and Youth Theatre Workshop and see local actors who you may have missed in the past pandemic months.

Keep in mind we are almost at Halloween. Feel free to submit something in the Halloween spirit – a fun or creepy song, an interpretive reading, a spooky story.

ALL SUBMISSIONS DUE BY END OF DAY – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020.
(Our youth actors put their pieces together and recorded in five days – we challenge you to do it in the same amount of time!)

Video Recording Directions – CLICK HERE

Submission Form – CLICK HERE

Request Music for Dear Evan Hansen song – Email TCSaugus@gmail.com and we will send you all the details.

Please keep in mind that as these will need to be edited together, the final project may not be available to view until after Halloween – but we’d still love to include any spooky submissions!

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Board Nominations 2020

Posted on October 5, 2020 by | Comments Off on Board Nominations 2020

Elections are coming up for the Board of Directors of the Theatre Company of Saugus. The board has nine members, with staggered terms lasting three years. Three members are elected near the end of each calendar year, usually in November. Nominations should be made in October. Officers are chosen by the new and old board members in December.

This year, we need to nominate at least two people. These board members can be replaced or re-elected:

  • Amanda Allen, our current president, is term-limited, so we need to replace her with a new person.
  • Deirdre Shaw, our current corresponding secretary, is eligible for a second term, and is willing to continue.
  • Mike Giusti has chosen not to continue, and needs to be replaced.

The other continuing members of the board include: Jeff Bliss, Matthew Garlin, Alicia Murphy, Allison Perry, Sean Perry, and Larry Segel.

If you have suggestions for nominations of new board members, or wish to nominate yourself, please communicate with any board member, or write to us at TCSaugus@gmail.com.

What is required of board members? There is a board meeting every month. During the pandemic, we have met remotely via Zoom. The remote meetings will continue even after the pandemic is over, so commuting to meetings will not be required. Board members also serve on committees, and take an active role in productions and on other company projects.

Many thanks to Amanda and Mike for your years of service!

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NEW DATE – TCS Autumn Offering – Join Us Online – Thu, Oct 29th

Posted on September 27, 2020 by | Comments Off on NEW DATE – TCS Autumn Offering – Join Us Online – Thu, Oct 29th

Black Theatre Matters; or, For White People Who Don’t Know Why They Don’t Know
Led by Jacqueline DiGenio

This session is being postponed to a new date, to be announced.
New date has been scheduled – Thursday, October 29.

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2020 (Prior Date – 10/8/2020)
Time: 7:00-8:30PM
Where: Virtually on Zoom
Cost: $10

There is a rich history of African-American Theatre, yet most of us can only name A Raisin in the Sun as a Black play we know.  Why is that?  Join us as we explore the legacies of Black playwrights, actors, and theaters, along with the elements that have left them largely ignored by white audiences, critics, and academics.

This seminar will speak candidly about race and bias within the arts as we explore Black theatre history in America from the Colonial period to present day.

Proceeds will be split between TCS and The Movement for Black Lives, which is made up of over 150 organizations that coordinate actions, messages and campaigns: https://m4bl.org/

Jacqueline DiGenio, a former TCS member, has studied Technical Theatre at Salem State and African-American Theatre at the University of Louisville.
Before she officially “begins” her seminar, Jacqueline will address the fact that she is a white woman presenting this topic (and all the complications that go along with that), the discomfort with talking about race, and our ever-evolving sensitivities to the language that surrounds race.

Jacqueline DiGenio

REGISTRATION – After completing the form below for the program, you will be invoiced for the $10 registration fee to be paid via Paypal. You will receive the Zoom details on October 29 before the session.

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Steven Friedman

Posted on September 19, 2020 by | Comments Off on Steven Friedman

Theatre Company of Saugus mourns Steven Friedman, who passed away on September 7, 2020. Steven was a very entertaining actor in two roles in the TCS production of From Moliere With Love in 2007. We did two short comedies by Moliere, in which he played Villebrequin in The Imaginary Cuckold and Geronimo in The Forced Marriage.

Steven was the beloved husband of Harriet Friedman, who directed the TCS production of Clue, the Musical in 2015. Harriet has been active with EMACT and has worked with numerous local community theatres over the years, sometimes with Steven.

Steven was a retired doctor and a genius at trivia. You can read his obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=steven-friedman&pid=196816668

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TCS Earns Numerous 2020 DASH Awards

Posted on August 23, 2020 by | Comments Off on TCS Earns Numerous 2020 DASH Awards

EMACT (Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres) annually gives DASH awards for distinguished achievements, for shows that have been evaluated by their consultant reviewers.  This year the awards were announced at a virtual Gala presentation on August 22, 2020.  Instead of the usual format of six nominees and one winner, because of the pandemic-shortened season, this year they announced a varying number of Outstanding Achievement Awards in each category, for shows or individuals with the highest scores.

The Theatre Company of Saugus’ production of Nevermore:  The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, presented in October & November 2019, was the recipient of Outstanding Achievement Awards for a Musical in almost every possible category.

  • Best Musical
  • Direction – Jason Hair-Wynn
  • Musical Direction – Shawn Gelzleichter
  • Choreography – Jason Hair-Wynn
  • Ensemble Cast
  • Actor – Benjamin Finn
  • Supporting Actress – Christine Dickinson 
  • Supporting Actress – Caroline Fonseca
  • Props – Amanda Allen, Jason Hair-Wynn, Damien LaCount, Deirdre A. L. Shaw
  • Hair & Makeup Design – Amanda Allen, Jason Hair-Wynn, William Fafard, Jr.
  • Costume Design – Amanda Allen & Jason Hair-Wynn 
  • Lighting Design – Matthew Garlin & Jason Hair-Wynn 
  • Sound Design – James Wlodyka, Mel Ingalls, Jason Hair-Wynn 
  • Set Design – Nicholas Raponi & Jason Hair-Wynn 
  • Set Dressing – Nicholas Raponi & Jason Hair-Wynn 

The TCS production of James and the Giant Peach, presented in February 2020, was the recipient of two DASH awards.

  • Outstanding Achievement – Youth Actor in a Play – Brooks Workman
  • Consultant’s Choice Award – Excellence in Original Music – Greg Borodulin

Several TCS members were recognized for work done with other theatre groups:

  • Consultants Choice Award, for Set Construction – Lou Schoenthal for Young Frankenstein at Marblehead Little Theatre
  • Stage Management for a Musical – Jenn Ryan Gelzleichter for Carrie: The Musical at Arts After Hours
  • Direction of a Musical – Samantha Brior-Jones & Nathan Fogg-DeSisto for Beauty & the Beast at Massasoit Theatre Company
  • Choreography – Samantha Brior-Jones for Beauty & the Beast at Massasoit
  • Stage Management for a Musical – Nathan Fogg-DeSisto for Beauty & the Beast at Massasoit Theatre Company
  • Supporting Actor in a Musical – Bobby Imperato for Beauty & the Beast at Massasoit Theatre Company
  • Set Design for a Musical – Nathan Fogg-DeSisto for Beauty & the Beast at Massasoit Theatre Company
  • Set Dressing for a Musical – Nathan Fogg-DeSisto for Beauty & the Beast at Massasoit Theatre Company
  • Hair & Makeup Design for a Musical – Becky Jo Roland for The Addams Family at Arlington Friends of Drama
  • Hair & Makeup Design for a Musical – Kathleen Tringale & Ursina Amsler for Into the Woods at Stage 284

Congratulations to all our winners! And thank you to the EMACT team for all the recognition!

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TCS Summer Sessions – Join Us Online – 2nd & 3rd Sessions Aug 13th & 20th – It’s all about the Music!

Posted on August 12, 2020 by | Comments Off on TCS Summer Sessions – Join Us Online – 2nd & 3rd Sessions Aug 13th & 20th – It’s all about the Music!

“C The Notes” – A Crash Course in Reading Music for Singers
Led by Ben Tan

Date: Thursday, August 13, 2020
Time: 7:00-9:00PM
Where: Virtually on Zoom

“C The Notes” – A Crash Course in Reading Music for Singers:
Experienced theatre music director Ben Tan will teach an introduction to reading music for singers. Students will go over the basics of visualizing rhythm and melody on the staff and apply music theory fundamentals to musical theatre repertoire.

Ben Tan, music director, hails from Wakefield. Previous music director credits include Frozen Jr, James And The Giant Peach (both at Middlesex School Summer Arts), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Theatre Company Saugus), Shrek, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Young Frankenstein (all at Alexander Children’s Theatre School), Grease (Babson Players), Spelling Bee (Emerson College Musical Theatre Society), Dear Edwina, and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (both Kidding Around at Emerson College). Ben earned his M.M.Ed. from Boston Conservatory and teaches music at Carver Elementary School.

Ben Tan

Healthy Vocal Technique for Musical Theatre
Led by Lori L’Italian

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2020
Time: 7:00-9:00PM
Where: Virtually on Zoom

Have you been missing your theatre community? Longing to belt out showtunes with your besties? Join us for a group voice class with TCS Alum and Professor of Voice in Musical Theatre at The Boston Conservatory, Lori L’Italien. Lori has appeared in TCS shows over the last 10 years including: Cabaret, The Producers, and Children of Eden. A graduate of The University of Maine, Longy School of Music and The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Lori has been teaching voice for more than 15 years and has been a regular on the Boston professional scene for as many.

 
Session includes:

  • Instructor-led group physical and vocal warm-up with explanation of how to bring each exercise into your practice and what its purpose is (grounding the voice in speech, finding clarity in the head voice/legit sound, bringing ease into the belt, extending the range, and releasing unnecessary tensions and strain from your body and voice).
  • Group experimentation with sounds and sensations, leading into healthful vocalise and work towards flexibility, and balance of register.
  • Individual Song Performances and Feedback – Students will have the option to present a selection or cut they have been working on. Lori will spend a short amount of time coaching one or two aspects of the song and giving next steps for what the singer can work on to bring the song to the next level.
Lori D’Italian

REGISTRATION FORM:
Please complete the form below. You can use it to register for either session or both.
Each session is $10 and you will be invoiced via PayPal after registration is completed.
Questions? Email us at tcsaugus@gmail.com.

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TCS Summer Sessions – Join Us Online – 1st Session Aug 6th

Posted on August 1, 2020 by | Comments Off on TCS Summer Sessions – Join Us Online – 1st Session Aug 6th

The Power of Makeup (onstage and off)
Led by Brittany Daley

Date: Thursday, August 6, 2020
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Where: Virtually on Zoom

This workshop is perfect for beginners as well as makeup gurus looking for new techniques. The workshop will start with an overview of Makeup basics from the different types of products, how they are used, and the tools needed to apply them. Brittany will also share some of her own tips and tricks as well as her holy grail products. The remainder of the workshop will be dedicated to demonstrating the application and transformation process – Live.  Brittany will create a theatrical, drag inspired look using suggestions from participants. Participants are welcome to bring their own makeup and experiment along with Brittany. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

Brittany Daley is a director, performer and theatre educator from Saugus, MA. She is also a self proclaimed makeup addict. When she’s not directing middle schoolers, she finds opportunities to be creative herself. Some of her favorite roles include Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a Wierd Sister in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She can also be seen at the local con cosplaying and using makeup to bring some of her favorite characters to life. 

Brittany Daley
Makeup Designs by Brittany Daley

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TCS Summer Youth Theatre Workshop Registration – Sign-Up by August 3 for Early Bird Discount

Posted on July 31, 2020 by | Comments Off on TCS Summer Youth Theatre Workshop Registration – Sign-Up by August 3 for Early Bird Discount

TCS has been weighing options regarding holding our Youth Theatre Workshop this summer. We know there are youth actors who look forward to participating each summer and our staff looks forward to working with the talented students who are part of TCS.

In order to best serve all involved – we are revamping for this summer and only having one week instead of two and having a combination of in-person and virtual sessions. Additionally, instead of a full production, we will be ending with a talent show – which will allow each participant to take part without having to rely on interacting with others in person.

For more information about protocols, what will be included in the sessions, and to access the registration form – CLICK HERE.

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